This non-randomized controlled study evaluates a 10-week breathing and myofascial release program in university athletes. The intervention group receives structured training, while the control group receives only an informational brochure.
This study is designed as an experimental intervention trial. The intervention group will consist of players from the Marmara University American Football Team, while the control group will include players from the Boğaziçi University American Football Team. The intervention will be conducted over a 10-week period and will include a total of eight sessions. The intervention program will comprise diaphragmatic breathing techniques, including box breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, deep breathing, and vagal stimulation, as well as self-myofascial release techniques applied using a foam roller. The program has been developed through a multidisciplinary collaboration involving a physiotherapist, a specialist physician, and a coach. Adherence to the exercise program will be monitored using structured exercise diaries. The control group will receive only an informational brochure describing the content of the training program, without any structured practical training.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
60
Participants in the intervention group underwent the Integrated Diaphragmatic Breathing, Vagal Stimulation, and Self-Myofascial Release Training Program (IDBVS-MRTP) over a 10-week period. The program consisted of eight sessions delivered in a hybrid format, including four face-to-face sessions, three online sessions, and one telephone follow-up.The intervention included diaphragmatic breathing techniques (box breathing, deep breathing, and vagal stimulation) and self-myofascial release exercises using a foam roller. Adherence was monitored using structured exercise diaries. The control group received only an informational brochure without structured training.
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index,
Sleep quality will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a validated questionnaire with scores ranging from 0 to 21, where higher scores indicate worse sleep quality.
Time frame: Measurements will be collected at baseline (month 0) and at the end of the 10th week.
Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale
Psychological well-being will be measured using the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale. Higher scores indicate better psychological well-being.
Time frame: Measurements will be collected at baseline (month 0) and at the end of the 10th week.
Correlation Between Change in Sleep Quality (PSQI Score) and Training Intensity
Sleep quality will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Training intensity will be recorded based on weekly training frequency and duration. Correlation between changes in PSQI scores and training intensity will be analyzed.
Time frame: Measurements will be collected at baseline (month 0) and at the end of the 10th week.
Correlation Between Change in Sleep Quality (PSQI Score) and Program Adherence
Program adherence will be measured as the percentage of completed intervention sessions. Sleep quality will be assessed using PSQI. Correlation analysis will be performed between adherence rate (%) and PSQI score change.
Time frame: Measurements will be collected at baseline (month 0) and at the end of the 10th week.
Correlation Between Change in Psychological Well-Being (Ryff Scale) and Program Adherence
Psychological well-being will be assessed using the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale. Higher scores indicate better well-being. Program adherence will be recorded as a percentage. Correlation analysis will be performed.
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Time frame: Measurements will be collected at baseline (month 0) and at the end of the 10th week.